Dangerous e-cigarettes: Risk of fire due to incorrect disposal in Unterallgäu!

Dangerous e-cigarettes: Risk of fire due to incorrect disposal in Unterallgäu!

Nowadays, when cigarettes are only lit electronically, the issue of disposal of e-cigarettes and vapes is taking on an increasingly central role, especially in Bavaria. Edgar Putz, the head of waste management at the Unterallgäu district office, warns urgently about the fire risk posed by incorrectly disposed of devices. E-cigarettes contain chemicals, electronics and batteries, which is why they are considered electrical devices and must urgently be handed over to a recycling collection point. reports the Unterallgäu district office.

But what happens if these devices simply end up in the residual waste or in the yellow bin? Putz emphasizes that this is extremely dangerous. There is a risk of fires starting in garbage trucks or sorting facilities. And in the last few months we have seen that major fires are increasingly occurring in recycling plants in Germany - an alarming development that has already counted 90 such cases by September 2023. The damage is estimated to be in the high three-digit million range, as stated by the Federal Association of German Waste Management, Water and Circulation Management reports BR24.

Disposable cigarettes pose a particular danger

Disposable cigarettes often come with permanently installed lithium-ion batteries, which can be easily damaged when dumped out of garbage trucks or when opening trash bags. This careless disposal can have fatal consequences, with flames quickly spreading to other waste materials. Several recent fires in recycling plants, including in Augsburg-Oberhausen and Hamburg-Billbrook, have tragically illustrated this. points out BDE.

Putz appeals to citizens to correctly dispose of vapes that are no longer functional. If the battery can be removed, it should be handed in separately at the recycling center. This is free of charge. Otherwise, the entire device can also be handed in free of charge. This not only protects yourself, but also the environment and all other fee payers who ultimately have to bear the costs for the damage caused by improper disposal.

Legal framework and future changes

A new law that comes into force on January 1, 2026 will allow disposable e-cigarettes to be distributed free of charge at points of sale. A deposit system is currently being discussed, but has not found favor in the Bundestag. These measures could help to significantly improve the disposal problem. In other countries, such as China, flavored e-cigarettes are already banned. Nevertheless, the discussion in Germany about safety and access to vaping remains explosive runs BR24.

In summary, safe disposal of e-cigarettes is in the best interest of the public. Everyone can help protect the environment and prevent fires by using appropriate disposal sites. It's high time we all took responsibility.